The Trump administration has directed an additional $20 million for the Palestinian Authority, to go to wastewater projects in the West Bank and Gaza, a White House official told The Times of Israel on Wednesday. After funds initially allocated for an economic aid package to Egypt were frozen in August over that country’s poor record on democracy and civil liberties, the State Department and National

Security Council decided six weeks ago to re-distribute that money toward West Bank initiatives, the official said. “Egypt is a key strategic partner of the United States, and the administration is committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship,” a State Department official told The Times of Israel. “We remain concerned, however, about Egypt’s lack of progress in key areas. The secretary has thus decided to reprogram assistance from Egypt.” If those specific funds — READ MORE


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